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Understanding LCD enclosures.

LCD enclosures are a common unit in digital signage, however this has grown quickly with some companies jumping on the band wagon and providing inferior solutions that are also cheaper, so let’s look at the LCD enclosures we tested over the past 6 months.

Plastic LCD enclosures.

These as you can imagine are cheaper than a fully welded solution, so much so many people have purchased them from one manufacturer but the problem is they are sold as secure units, yet they are not! They are locked with cam lever locks, that if you get an intruder in your back yard all they need is a 1/8” drill bit and an electric drill, but these locks can be popped with a simple ruler, concerning when you have invested in a high end TV display for your backyard. The same company is now offering a commercial solution made from steel after 3 years – we guess they got the message that their standard solution is not acceptable as a digital signage enclosure as they have previously advertised them!

Steel LCD enclosures.

These are offered by 3 company’s, 1 of which is the originator of the outdoor LCD enclosure and that is www.lcdtvenclosure.com they have in excess of 23 years’ experience making outdoor protective enclosures with the other 2 companies previously wanting to purchase their knowledge and experience in a buyout, yet they refused and went their separate ways.

Once a steel enclosure is welded and powder coated, it provides a waterproof environment for the displays, this is why they are the choice of the professional digital signage integrators when using them at transformational hubs and any outdoor location that could be classed as high risk.

Cons of plastic LCD enclosures.

• They do not have any thermostatic cooling or heating system, due to the material they are constructed from – they will melt if a heater is installed!
• Locks are not secure – would you install $800 of TV to have it stolen due to poor security locks? hey class them as secure…how can a plastic housing be secure, all someone needs is a blow torch to cut the front off the housing and steal the TV, not only that, they can just drill the rivets out with an electrical drill with the same result.
• They have no real condensation control, so over a short period of time the display will fail as the internal circuits corrode. They do provide a silica pouch that when it’s saturated with moisture within the enclosure, the manufacturer tells you to dry them out in the oven for 3 hours or more…
• By the time you add an efficient cooling and heating solution and a TV mount you are at the price point of a fully equipped LCD enclosure made from steel!
• Limitations on installation locations – can not be deployed in locations that frequently get sunshine – cannot see the display!

Pros of plastic LCD enclosures.

They are cheaper than a steel solution without any other items, such as an internal TV mount, cooling and don’t even think about heating!!!!! T hat’s all we can say!

Cons of steel LCD enclosures.

• They are more expensive on the first look than a plastic housing, yet if you are spending time planning and installing an outdoor digital sign or a back yard TV, surely you want the best protection for the display? Or will you put any cheap protection out there; it is the equivalent of having a celebrity with a 93 year old body guard.
• That is where the comparison ends.

Pros of steel LCD enclosures.

• They are more secure – no plastic solution compares to welded steel.
• Thermostatic heating and cooling systems (some charge extras for these – some provide them as standard knowing they are needed!) Eliminating condensation within the housing.
• More secure, the best solutions have high security locks (just ask the vendor)
• They tend to have a longer warranty
• Can be branded with vinyl decals and custom paint
• Concealed hinges are usually used to prevent unauthorized access
• The viewing window can be coated with anti-reflective coating, enabling the display to be seen even in bright sunlight.

Conclusion on LCD enclosures.

If you want a cheap solution for the odd outdoor use and are not really concerned about having to replace the display due to either failure or theft go for the plastic LCD enclosures, otherwise if you want to protect your investment either in outdoor digital signage or in your own backyard you really need to consider steel LCD enclosures.